Dan Tafa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Abd al-Qādir ibn al-Mustafa ibn Muhammad al-Tūrūdī 1804 Fankaaji, Gobir |
| Died | 1863-4 |
| Spouse | Two wives both named Fatima |
| Children | Nine sons and two daughters |
| Parents |
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| Academic background | |
| Influences | |
| Academic work | |
| Era | Sokoto Revolution |
| Main interests | |
| Notable works | Rawdat al-afkar (1824) |
Abd al-Qadir dan Tafa (1804 – 1863/4), also known as Dan Tafa, was a historian, theologian, philosopher, poet and jurist from the Sokoto caliphate. He was considered the "most learned" scholar of his time.[1]: 101–102 He was a prolific scholar who delved into various fields of knowledge, but he was particularly renowned for his historical and philosophical writings.[2]: 221 [3]: 221
Dan Tafa lived during a turbulent time in Hausaland, witnessing the Sokoto jihad and the subsequent establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate. Following the deaths of the three reformist leaders, Usman, Abdullahi, and Muhammad Bello, Dan Tafa became a sought-after figure for his wisdom and expertise on matters of history, Islam, and leadership. He played a significant role in education by running an educational institute in Salame, which drew scholars from different parts of West Africa, notably from Timbuktu.